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SEC STAFF DIRECTORY GAME MANAGEMENT CONTACTS
Name Email Cell Phone Mark Womack [email protected] (205) 936-2863 William King [email protected] (205) 908-1520 Byron Hatch [email protected] (832) 259-4385
SEC COORDINATOR OF OFFICIALS
Name Email Cell Phone John McDaid [email protected] (571) 213-8767
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SEC EVENT MANAGEMENT AND CROWD CONTROL
The Presidents and Chancellors of the Southeastern Conference member institutions are committed to excellent crowd control at all athletics events. They have passed several resolutions stating their aims and objectives for promoting mutual trust and friendly relations between conference members and other institutions by emphasizing the need for coach, student-athlete and spectator sportsmanship at athletics contests. The host institution is responsible for assuring that crowd control and game management are exercised in the best interest of safety and fair play for the participants, as well as for spectators. The responsibility for crowd control and event management at Southeastern Conference athletics events rests with the director of athletics of the host institution. The athletics director shall designate a full-time staff person (or persons) to serve as event management director; however ultimate responsibility remains with the A.D. The home institution shall supply the visiting coach and game officials with the name and location of the individual responsible for event management and crowd control. The athletics directors of each institution are expected to communicate with their student-athletes, coaches and fans to encourage enthusiastic support within the confines of good sportsmanship. Host institutions must provide adequate security and ushers, preferably in uniform, for effective crowd management. Attention should be given to seating arrangements that will alleviate crowd-control problems. In addition, evacuation and emergency plans should be in place and reviewed on a regular basis.
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE Commissioner Greg Sankey
2201 Richard Arrington Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203-1103
OFFICE NUMBER: 205/458-3000 FAX NUMBER: 205/458-3031
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SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE INSTITUTIONS
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA – Tuscaloosa, AL Athletics Director – Greg Byrne (205) 348-3697 Game Management Contacts
Football: Red Leonard (205) 348-2079 (O); (205) 242-4581 (C); [email protected]
Frequency Coordinator: Jake Ballard (205) 821-9778 (C); [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – Fayetteville, AR Athletics Director – Hunter Yurachek (479) 575-7641 Game Management Contacts
Football: Chris Pohl (479) 575-7312 (O); (479) 263-0519 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (479) 575-6622 (Fayetteville); (501) 663-6152 (Little Rock)
Frequency Coordinator: Jeff Henretty (479) 443-2222 (O); (479) 530-8123 (C); [email protected]
AUBURN UNIVERSITY – Auburn, AL Athletics Director – Allen Greene (334) 844-9891 Game Management Contacts
Football: Jeremy Roberts (334) 703-1836 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (334) 844-2807 Frequency Coordinator: Mike Watkins
(334) 744-9354 (C); [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA – Gainesville, FL Athletics Director – Scott Stricklin (352) 375-4683 ext. 6000
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Game Management Contacts Football: Bryan Flood (352)375-4683 x 6039 (O);
(352) 317-1926 (Cl); [email protected] Football Press Box: 352-375-4683 x 1361 Frequency Coordinator: Jim Werner (352) 870-9094
(C); [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA – Athens, GA
Athletics Director – Greg McGarity (706) 542-9037 Game Management Contacts
Football: Matt Brachowski (706) 542-1135 (O); (706) 207-2279 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (706) 542-7780 Frequency Coordinator: Jessica Carter
(404) 213-2395 (C); [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY – Lexington, KY Athletics Director – Mitch Barnhart (859) 257-8000 Game Management Contacts
Football: Scott Geisinger (859) 218-1777 (O); (317) 439-0410 (C); [email protected]
Kate Ramsey (859) 218-1775 (O); (502) 294-0439 (C); [email protected] Football Press Box: (859) 323-2888 Frequency Coordinator: Daryl Doss (859) 312-6333
(C); [email protected]
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY – Baton Rouge, LA Athletics Director – Scott Woodward (225) 578-3600 Game Management Contacts
Football: David Taylor (225) 578-8428 (O); (225) 270-8427 (C); [email protected] Football
Press Box: (225) 578-6122 Frequency Coordinator: Russ Bryant
(225) 571-7700 (C); [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI – Oxford, MS Athletics Director – Keith Carter (662) 915-7546 Game Management Contacts
Football: Neal Mead (662) 915-1811 (O); (662) 816-2699 (C); [email protected] Joe Swingle (662) 915-7508 (O); (662) 832-8147 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (662) 236-1931 Frequency Coordinator: Jody Stringer
(662) 296-1450 (C); [email protected] MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY – Starkville, MS
Athletics Director – John Cohen (662) 325-8082 Game Management Contacts
Football: Brent Frey (662) 325-0958 (O); (662) 418-7004 (C); [email protected] Jay Logan (662) 325-2877 (O); (662) 418-5541 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (662) 325-8158 Frequency Coordinator: Jonathan Ashley
(662) 617-4220 (C); [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – Columbia, MO Athletics Director – Jim Sterk (573) 882-2055 Game Management Contacts
Football: Tony Wirkus (573) 882-8718 (O); (573) 489-5529 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (573) 874-1942 Frequency Coordinator: Larry Calhoon
(573) 884-7373 (O); (573) 239-4539 (C); [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA – Columbia, SC Athletics Director – Ray Tanner (803) 777-8881
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Game Management Contacts Football: Shawn Burke (803) 777-7864 (O);
(803) 240-2513 (C); [email protected] Football Press Box: (803) 777-2040 Frequency Coordinator: Kerry Cremins
(803) 777-4700 (O); (803) 518-2267 (C); [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE – Knoxville, TN
Athletics Director – Phillip Fulmer (865) 974-1224 Game Management Contacts
Football: David Elliott (865) 974-9276 (O); (865) 719-1253 (C); [email protected] Bill Whitesell (865) 974-5072 (O); (865) 567-9179 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (865) 974-3527; Command Post: (865) 974-2812
Frequency Coordinator: Kevin Duplantis (865) 740-4105 (C); [email protected]
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY – College Station, TX Athletics Director – Ross Bjork (979) 845-5129 Game Management Contacts
Football: Kevin Hurley (979) 862-2575 (O); (979) 777-8201 (C); [email protected]
Football Press Box: (979) 845-7303 Frequency Coordinator: Zack Bacon (214) 695-3917 (C); [email protected]
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY – Nashville, TN Vice Chancellor-Athletics – Candice Lee (615) 322-4831
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Game Management Contacts Football: Ed Higgins (615) 343-2012 (O);
(615) 974-8906 (C); [email protected] Football Press Box: (615) 320-0436 Frequency Coordinator: Brian Belcher
(615) 394-6878 (C); [email protected] The Southeastern Conference will enforce bylaws 10.4, 10.5 and 30.22.1.5 in the SEC Manual, which deal with playing conditions, sportsmanship, game administration and the conduct of coaches, players and support personnel.
SEC BYLAW 10.4 - GAME MANAGEMENT 10.4.1-Each contest shall be played and administered
according to the prescribed rules set forth by the conference and the NCAA.
10.4.2-The host member institution shall ensure the visiting team has an equal opportunity to compete successfully. The host member institution is solely responsible for providing adequate and appropriate crowd control, bench safety, access for press box communication and locker room security.
SEC BYLAW 10.5 - SPORTSMANSHIP
10.5.1-All institutional staff members and student-athletes of a member institution, shall conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their behavior shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in the collegiate setting. For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in
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society, coaches, student-athletes and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program.
It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct in intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational mission and goals of the institution. Furthermore, member institutions are responsible for educating all constituencies about these policies on a continuing basis.
10.5.2-Coaches and administrators shall refrain from public criticism of other member institutions, their staffs or players. Coaches and administrators shall also refrain from making public statements and accusations with regard to infractions concerning member institutions and their personnel. In response to questions by the media, it is appropriate to state that infractions are reported, investigated and addressed in accordance with established Conference and NCAA procedures.
10.5.3-Coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials, which shall include making public any specific communications with the Conference office related to officiating.
10.5.4-Coaches and support personnel shall provide favorable examples in appearance, conduct, language
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and sportsmanship and shall refrain from personal conduct that may incite spectators.
SEC BYLAW 30.22.1.5 – PLAYING CONDITIONS
(a) The host institution is charged with the responsibility of providing satisfactory playing conditions, providing the best possible protection for the public and officials, and using its facilities for producing an atmosphere of good sportsmanship. The Commissioner will periodically distribute information regarding crowd-control procedures.
(b) The host institution or conference office shall set the starting times of all contests and so notify the visiting team well in advance;
(c) At football games, artificial noise makers shall not be brought into or used in any sports venue during games between member institutions, other than contests played on the campus of an institution with a traditional institutional noise maker. Each institution should have statements printed on tickets and notices to the effect that such noisemakers will not be permitted inside its competition areas. Penalties for violations of this provision are set forth in the Commissioner’s Regulations;
(d) At football games the use of amplifiers, microphones and megaphones shall be restricted to the cheerleaders of the institutions participating, directed only toward the stands and shall not be used from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the ball has been snapped. Additionally, the use of institutionally controlled computerized sound systems (including music), institutionally controlled artificial noise makers and any traditional institutional
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noise maker shall not play from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the officials whistle the play dead. Bands shall not play from the time the offensive center puts a hand on over the football until the ball has been snapped. In no case may music be played which may be construed to be derogatory toward the visiting team or the game officials. Physical distractions (e.g., artificial noise makers, portable amplifiers or the main stadium public address) shall not be used by cheerleaders while either team is on the field (warm-ups or competition). An institution shall submit to the Commissioner an annual use plan explaining how traditional institutional noise makers shall be governed to ensure compliance with SEC Bylaw 30.22.1.5 (d). Penalties for use of traditional institutional noise makers in violation of this provision or failure to adhere to the institution’s management plan for traditional institutional noise makers shall be set forth in the Commissioner’s Regulations governing the sport of football.
COMMISSIONER’S REGULATIONS Section headings in this Game Management Manual designated by an asterisk (*) are Commissioner’s Regulations that have been formally approved by the appropriate governing bodies of the Southeastern Conference. The Commissioner’s Regulations Manual is the official record of all Commissioner’s Regulations and may contain additional information. 2020 FOOTBALL EVENT MANAGEMENT POLICIES Institutions shall refer to Supplement B for game management policies that have been adopted specifically for the 2020 football season. Any previously existing
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policies outlined in this manual that may be impacted by policies adopted specifically for the 2020 season have been highlighted “yellow.”
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FOOTBALL 110-MINUTE MEETING It is a Conference requirement that the game management director attend the 110-minute meeting, visit briefly with the game officials and the visiting coach prior to the game (each and every game), and inform them of his/her availability if they need to be contacted during the game. The 110-minute meeting will be a brief 5-10 minute meeting led by the referee, held approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes prior to kickoff and in a private location determined by home team game management. Additional information is below. Required Attendees:
Game referee Home event management director Team liaison from each school Public safety officials in charge of the facility and the
field Game clock operator Play clock operator Instant replay official and assistant TV production liaison and TV timeout coordinator (Red
Hat) Communications staff member Medical observer SEC staff (not mandatory)
Agenda Items: Welcome & introductions (Referee) General game management (Game Manager) Emergency and severe weather procedures (Game
Manager) Security issues for officials (Game Manager)
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Special pregame and halftime events (Game Manager) Procedure for game delays, suspensions and resumption of play meeting (Game Manager) Clearing the playing field (Game Manager) Officials’ evacuation following the game (Game Manager) Location of communication to operations booth (Game
Manager) Communication between game management and
referee (Game Manager) Communication between teams and game officials
(Referee) Red Hat, TV and instant replay personnel
communication (Referee) Medical observer (Referee) Coaches booth monitors - parameters and procedure
for failure (Referee) Television game start slide procedure (Referee)
* If necessary, Red Hat and TV personnel may continue discussions after meeting has adjourned.
ACCESS TO COMPETITION AREA* Access to the competition area shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest may spectators enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.
Institutional penalties against individuals who improperly enter the competition area must include, but are not limited to, expulsion from the facility, arrest for trespassing, and the loss of future ticket privileges. In addition to these penalties,
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violators who are students must be subject to institutional student disciplinary measures. Each institution is responsible for publicizing this policy, as well as the penalties associated with violations, through appropriate means, such as ticket back statements, public address announcements, video/matrix announcements, facility signage and other means available. In addition, each head coach shall publicly discourage spectators from entering the playing area at any time.
Penalties for institutional violations – For the safety of participants and spectators alike, the Commissioner may (in his or her sole discretion) impose the following penalties: 1st offense: an institutional fine of $50,000; 2nd offense: an institutional fine of up to $100,000; 3rd or subsequent offense: an institutional fine of up to $250,000. The Commissioner may also impose additional penalties as he or she deems appropriate.
ALCOHOL POLICY* Each institution is permitted to determine the permissibility of selling alcoholic beverages in athletics venues and shall establish a policy governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in its athletics facilities. Institutions that offer alcohol sales in public areas must incorporate Conference-wide alcohol management expectations, which include:
• Alcoholic beverages are to be sold and dispensed only at designated stationary locations;
• Alcoholic beverages may not be sold by vendors within the seating areas;
• Identification check is required at every point of sale to prevent sales to minors;
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• Alcoholic beverage sales are limited to beer and wine only (no hard liquor or mixed drinks may be sold in public seating areas);
• Limits must be established on the number of drinks purchased at one time by an individual;
• Alcohol may be dispensed in cans or plastic bottles but must be opened prior to being served (seller must retain cap). If cans or plastic bottles are used as projectiles or otherwise cause game management issues, the institution is subject to an immediate fine and suspension of the alcohol sales privilege;
• Safe server training and additional training for staff to handle high risk situations is required; and
• Designated stop times for sale and/or distribution of alcohol must be enforced as follows: o Football (end of 3rd quarter); o Basketball (Men’s—Second half 12-minute TV
timeout; Women’s—End of 3rd quarter); o Baseball (end of the top of 7th inning); o Softball (end of the top of the 5th inning); and o Other Sports (At a designated time, no later than
when 75% of the event’s regulation length competition is scheduled to be completed).
Implementation of these management expectations does not include suites, clubs or private leased areas. Each institution shall establish a policy for the admission of outside food and beverage into its facilities. As with all areas of the stadium, maintaining the safety of patrons and participants and maintaining an atmosphere suitable for families is of utmost importance.
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Advertising displays mentioning or promoting alcoholic beverage shall not be permitted in any playing facility with the exception of common point-of-sale signage.
ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS (SEE SEC BYLAW 30.22.1.5 c and d)*
Penalties for Violations - Violations of SEC Bylaw 30.22.1.5 c and/or d shall be evaluated following the season for the imposition of fines as follows: 1st offense: an institutional fine of $5,000; 2nd offense: an institutional fine of up to $25,000; 3rd or subsequent offense: an institutional fine of up to $50,000. Artificial noise makers and sound systems brought to competition sites by participating teams and team personnel are restricted to the locker room and training room areas only. Member institutions, its novelty concessionaire, designated marketing rights holder and its clients, shall not distribute or sell any item(s), inside or outside the stadium, that may be used as artificial noise makers (e.g. “thundersticks,” megaphones, clackers, etc.) All items to be distributed or sold should be approved by the athletics director or his/her designee.
BANDS* The following guidelines apply to all games: 1. Marching bands should exit the field toward the end
zones or outside the team areas. Under no circumstances may marching bands exit the field through the visiting bench area.
2. The home band must be located on the opposite side of the field from the visiting team bench; or if located on the same side as the visiting team bench, the band must be seated from the 30-yard line toward the goal line. Any band seats located toward midfield from the
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30-yard line may be no closer than 25 rows from the field.
3. Bands, and any component thereof (e.g. drums), shall not play from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the football has been snapped.
4. It is the responsibility of the visiting band director to notify the host institution’s Event Management Director no later than 30 days prior to a game the visiting band will be attending. This will allow the host institution to make the necessary arrangements for security, parking and access.
5. Visiting team marching bands shall arrive at the stadium no later than one hour prior to kickoff. This does not apply to smaller pep bands of 50 members or less.
6. Amplification of the home team band is permitted during times the band is allowed to play.
7. In the event both marching bands perform at halftime, each band shall have up to six (6) minutes to perform.
8. In order for the visiting team marching band to perform at halftime, the visiting team must request permission from the host institution’s Athletics Director by April 1. If the host institution’s Athletics Director does not grant permission, the visiting team marching band may not perform at halftime.
9. In the event of inclement weather, the decision on whether to permit marching bands on the field shall be at the sole discretion of home team game management personnel.
10. Band members (as well as instruments and equipment) shall not occupy the area between the 45-yard lines after the 3-minute mark on the pregame clock. Also, during this time “tunnels” may not be formed that cause team members to enter the field in this area.
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11. The visiting institution’s band shall be limited to the playing of two songs (i.e., fight song, alma mater) following the conclusion of a game.
12. If a band does not comply with these regulations, the Athletics Director of the involved institution shall be asked to rectify the situation. Failure to comply with the regulations fully may also subject that institution to financial penalties, as prescribed by the Commissioner.
13. In order to allow for the home team to conduct certain traditional events, presentations or announcements uninterrupted by the play of the visiting band, the home team game production and/or band director will communicate to the visiting band director no later than Thursday before the game the times on game day when the visiting band is restricted from performing in the stadium. A follow-up communication will take place at the stadium no less than sixty (60) minutes prior to kickoff for delivery of the final game script and to review the times during which the visiting band is restricted from performing. Events, presentations or announcements during which the visiting band may be restricted from performing may include, but are not limited to:
• Team introductory videoboard presentation • Traditional pre-game chant or cheer • Hall of Fame class/members recognition • Olympians recognition • Individual/team accolades, i.e., Championships,
Player of Year, Coach of Year • Commemorative anniversary/reunion of
accomplished team • Significant donation to the university • Faculty presentation
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• Military recognition • 3rd/4th Quarter transition
In addition, the visiting team band may not perform during Senior Day presentations. These regulations are separate and apart from Halftime Performances for which time will be allocated by the home institution.
BENCH PASSES
Teams shall abide by NCAA rules governing access to the team bench area during games.
BENCH RESTRICTIONS* The area immediately behind each team bench shall be designated a “non-media” area. At no time may media representatives capture video, audio or still pictures from behind the bench area (with the exception of the conference TV network all-access production). The bench area is as defined in each institution’s facility guidelines and the required guidelines in the NCAA Rule Book. Non-working personnel inside the team bench area should be at least 10 years old. Any working personnel outside the team bench area should be at least 16 years old. PRODUCT PLACEMENT IN VISITING TEAM BENCH AREA: The visiting team shall have the right to utilize its choice of isotonic beverage (product and equipment) in the team bench area during SEC regular season competition. If the visiting team does not arrange to have its own product and equipment at a contest, the home team will supply the isotonic beverage (product and equipment) of its choice in the visiting team bench area. Equipment utilized in the visiting team bench area must be standard size.
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CHEERLEADERS/MASCOTS* The following guidelines will apply:
1. The athletic director of the home stadium shall designate an official representative who shall be responsible for and monitor the use of megaphones, microphones and amplified sound systems, and ensure that all cheerleaders at that stadium comply with the Conference guidelines.
2. It is the responsibility of the visiting cheerleader coach to notify the host institution’s Event Management Director no later than 10 days prior to a game the visiting institution’s cheerleaders will be attending. This will allow the host institution to make the necessary arrangements for security, parking and access.
3. Once a game begins, cheerleaders and mascots shall be restricted to designated sideline areas between the bench boundary and the end line, as well as behind the respective end zone to the goal post, and behind the photographer zone. The home team shall inform each squad of the respective areas. At no time may cheerleaders or mascots enter the playing field (defined as any area beyond the 6-foot limit lines surrounding the playing field) while the game is in progress. Cheerleaders and mascots may access the field during media timeouts, pre-game, halftime and post-game when the game is not in progress or neither team is on the field (warm-up or competition).
4. Home team mascots are permitted to enter the seating areas where home team fans are located but shall not enter any visiting team area. At no time may the home team mascot enter the visiting team cheerleader/ mascot area while the game is in progress. Any type
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of physical contact is strictly prohibited between the two opposing teams’ cheerleaders and/or mascots. “Skits” are permitted during pregame and halftime as long as there is no actual contact of any nature between the two.
5. The use of amplifiers, microphones and megaphones shall be restricted to the cheerleaders and shall not be used from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the football has been snapped.
6. Megaphones and speakers used with microphones and amplifiers shall be directed at the student- section stands only and never toward the playing field, the benches or toward any players, coaches or game officials.
7. The main stadium public address system shall be used by home team cheerleaders only during media timeouts, pregame, halftime and postgame when neither team is on the field (warm-up or competition).
8. Cheerleaders’ amplified sound systems shall be used only at home games or neutral sites. Amplified sound systems shall have no more than four speakers and shall be mounted or situated to ensure that the system does not interfere with the view of the crowd and shall be directed only toward the stands. These systems may not be used from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the ball has been snapped.
9. A mic-person and/or cheerleader shall never express disagreement with an official’s call over any amplified sound system, microphone or megaphone. Guidelines for the mic-person shall be:
a. Comments and/or chants or cheers shall never be directed toward the opposing team, players, coaches, fans or game officials;
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b. Comments and/or chants or cheers should be positive, enthusiastic and supportive of the home team. Vulgar, obscene and offensive language shall not be used;
c. Comments should be kept to a minimum; the purpose of the mic-person is to lead the crowd in chants and cheers, not to provide commentary for the fans.
Failure to comply with these guidelines shall result in the following action. Complaints shall be directed to the athletic director’s officially designated representative who is authorized to take the following action:
1. If the violation is obvious, the enforcement official shall, depending on the seriousness of the offense, take any of the following actions: issue a warning, place the squad on probation, have the sound system disconnected, have microphones or megaphones taken away for the remainder of that game and/or any number of future games. If the squad is given a warning or placed on probation, any second violation shall result in revocation of the use of any amplified sound system or microphone or megaphone for the rest of the season.
2. If the alleged violation is not obvious, the enforcement official shall immediately review the alleged violation with the cheer coach and/or the squad captain(s) and any other persons as necessary. If there is sufficient doubt of the violation the official shall issue a warning. If the official determines that there has been a violation, he/she may take the action outlined in No. 1 above.
Violations at either of the last two home games shall result in punishment or corrective action being taken during the next football season.
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COACHES/SUPPORT PERSONNEL The coaches and assistant coaches are charged with a responsibility that reaches beyond the game. Their behavior directly affects the conduct of other bench personnel, players and spectators. Their job is twofold (1) to prepare the team for the game and (2) to conduct themselves in such a manner during the game to ensure good crowd control. Displaying a positive attitude before, during and after each contest helps to guarantee a healthy environment for competition. Head coaches are responsible for the conduct of all persons in the bench area.
COACHES BOOTH MONITORS [NCAA FOOTBALL RULE 1.3.11] Monitors are permitted in the coaches booths to be used only for viewing the live telecast or webcast. The home team is responsible for assuring identical television capability in the coaches’ booths of both teams. This capability may not include replay equipment or recorders.
Procedures for failure of a monitor are as follows: 1. Affected coaching personnel should report
failure by dialing the number on the courtesy phone in the booth provided by home team game management.
2. Home team game management will notify appropriate personnel of the opposing team to inform them of the failure and that their monitor should be turned off until the problem is corrected.
3. Once the problem is corrected, home team game management shall notify the opposing team that use of their monitor may be resumed.
Home team game management is responsible for installing the courtesy phones (land lines) in both coaches’ booths as
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well as ensuring the prominent display of the phone number coaches should call to report a monitor failure. Both coaches’ booths should have the same type of monitors. The minimum size of the monitors is 32” and both should be HD. Under no circumstances should the officials be notified during a monitor failure. COMMUNICATIONS* If either team loses TOTAL communication from the bench to press box it should notify the Referee, who will take an officials timeout. The Referee will inform both teams they must completely remove their headsets until the failure is repaired, and both teams must completely remove their headsets at that time. When the team that initially lost all communications believes their system is repaired, they will again notify the Referee who will inform both teams they may resume using their headsets. Both teams may resume using their headsets at that time. For avoidance of doubt, a single headset failure does NOT constitute a system failure.
DEBRIS THROWN ON FIELD* Each member institution shall have a “zero-tolerance” policy toward fans throwing items onto the playing field and shall eject violators from the stadium. EQUAL ACCESS TO LOCKER ROOMS Equal access must be given to all media representatives (regardless of gender) at any time interviews with coaches and/or student-athletes are conducted, including after competition. Equal access is defined as access to coaches and/ or student-athletes at the exact same time and at the exact same place. Bringing players to a separate area for reporters of the opposite sex is not considered equal
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access. The exact method of ensuring equal access shall be determined by the institution.
FACILITY REQUIREMENTS* Institutions shall refer to the “Facility Requirements” section in the Commissioner’s Regulations for the minimum requirements that each home competition facility must satisfy.
FIELD MARKINGS AND EQUIPMENT* The Athletics Director must assign a person who is responsible for the following: 1. Checking to make sure the field is properly marked; 2. Making sure there are down markers and chains, and
an auxiliary down marker (without numbers) on the press-box side of the field;
3. Making sure there are two red (or orange) line-to-gain ground markers ready; and
4. Making sure the play clocks are elevated above field level and clearly visible from the field and benches at all times.
Play clocks must be present on each end of the field and shall be elevated above field level to ensure unobstructed visibility at all times by participating teams. Play clocks must be operated from the field on the press box side.
There shall be a coaches’ area and a team area clearly marked between the 25-yard lines. This is the area that will be strictly enforced by game officials and game management. The team area is for all players not in the contest and the remainder of the team auxiliary personnel needed to perform necessary duties. The 12- foot dotted line area shall encircle the field except between the 25-yard lines on each side. No media personnel, including journalists, radio and television personnel or their
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equipment shall be in the team area or coaching box, and no media persons shall be in the team area or coaching box. Institutions may extend the 12-foot restriction line by three feet to provide exclusive access for broadcast television cameras. An institutional videographer may be in the team area as one of the institution’s 60 credentialed individuals. A solid white area between the sideline and the coaching line is mandatory.
[NCAA FOOTBALL RULE 1.2.8] a. All markers and obstructions within the playing
enclosure shall be placed or constructed in such a manner as to avoid any possible hazard to players. This includes anything dangerous to anyone at the limit lines.
b. After the officials’ pregame inspection of the playing enclosure, the referee shall order removed any hazardous obstructions or markers located inside the limit lines.
c. The referee shall report to game management personnel any markers or obstructions constituting a hazard within the playing enclosure but outside the limit lines. Final determination of corrective action shall be the responsibility of game management personnel.
d. After the officials have completed their pregame inspection of the playing enclosure, it is the responsibility of game management personnel to ensure that the playing enclosure remains safe throughout the game.
FIGHTING Any player or coach who leaves the bench area during a fighting incident on the field shall be subject to disqualification for the remainder of that game and suspension from the following game. The coach who is disqualified may not remain in the coaching area and shall
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not participate in any coaching activities, (e.g., conferences with players, using the headsets or discussing coaching strategy with other coaches). A coach who violates this regulation shall be subject to suspension for one or more additional games. A coach who is suspended from the following game shall not be permitted to be in the stadium area for the period of two hours preceding the game and until two hours after the completion of the game. Squad members in uniform and players disqualified from a game (on game day) shall be accompanied to and remain in the locker room for the remainder of the contest.
The conference office shall review the videotape of any game in which a fighting incident occurs. After reviewing the tape, should it be found that any player or coach, in addition to those already disqualified by the officials, came off the bench or participated in a fight, the conference shall be responsible for suspending those individuals. The conference office should also use the videotape to correct any inaccurate designation by officials of players or coaches who participated in the incident. When a fighting incident occurs, it is critical that the individuals who are responsible for videotaping the game keep the cameras on so that a video record is available for the conference office.
GAME CLOCK* The game clock shall be controlled by the standby official on the field. In consultation with the originating television network and/or home game management, the standby official shall start the scoreboard clock 90 minutes prior to kickoff. In the event television invokes a slide for the start time, the pregame clock must be reset to indicate the actual time remaining prior to kickoff.
The starting of the 20-minute halftime clock shall be the responsibility of the referee. Home game management
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should refer to NCAA Playing Rules and the correspondence from the College Football Officiating, LLC to ensure the second half starts on-time.
GAME MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR* The Athletics Director will serve as the Game Management Director or appoint an individual knowledgeable in game management and crowd control to supervise and plan for all games. It is a Conference requirement that this person attend the 110-minute meeting, visit briefly with the game officials and the visiting coach prior to the game (each and every game), and inform them of his/her availability if they need to be contacted during the game. The game manager is responsible for the control of the entire operation of the stadium. This individual should provide supervision prior to and during each contest, and continue supervision until at least 30 minutes after the game or until all groups have dispersed. Refer to the “Game Management” section in the Commissioner’s Regulations for additional guidelines. INCLEMENT WEATHER If more than 60 minutes remain prior to the scheduled kickoff, the home institution’s athletics director or designated senior level administrator shall have the authority to determine whether a contest should be temporarily delayed until a later time on the same date. Starting at 60 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff, the decision to suspend play is the responsibility of the game officials. (See “Interrupted Game Procedures”) 1. When word reaches the referee that a tornado warning
is in effect for the immediate area or if lightning strikes are nearby (See “Lightning Policy”), the referee will immediately stop the game and inform both coaches that the game is being suspended at this point.
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2. The referee will inform the home team, and the umpire will inform the visiting team, that ALL team personnel will go immediately to their respective dressing rooms. This includes players, coaches, trainers, managers, cheerleaders, mascots, bands and any other persons who are the responsibility of these particular institutions.
3. Play will be resumed only when the referee has been notified that the tornado warning has been lifted or that the lightning has abated pursuant to the guidelines specified in the “Lightning Policy.”
Suspended play beyond this point is covered by NCAA rules.
INSTANT REPLAY The Southeastern Conference will utilize the NCAA- approved Video Instant Replay system. Complete details of the league’s policies regarding instant replay are available from the Conference office.
INTERRUPTED GAME PROCEDURES* All personnel, including Athletics Directors, game management personnel, game officials, coaches, players, and Conference office staff, shall use their best effort to ensure each Conference contest is played to its conclusion. The Conference recognizes, however, emergencies may arise that make a contest’s completion impossible or inadvisable. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, severe inclement weather, natural or man-made disasters, power failures and spectator interference.
Contests should be delayed, relocated, suspended, canceled, postponed or terminated (see definitions below) when circumstances exist such that commencement or
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continuation of play would pose a threat to the safety of game participants.
1. Definitions A. Delay - To delay a contest is to delay the start of a
contest until a later time on the same date. B. Relocate - To relocate a contest is to change the
location of the competition. C. Suspend - To suspend a contest is to temporarily
halt play for a short duration after the contest begins.
D. Cancel - To cancel a contest is to nullify it either before or after it begins and to make no provision for rescheduling it or for including its score or other performance statistics in Conference records.
E. Postpone - To postpone a contest is to (a) defer its starting time to a later date, or to (b) suspend it after play has begun and make provision to resume it at a later date with all scores and other performance statistics up to the point of postponement added to those achieved in the resumed portion of the contest.
F. Terminate - To terminate a contest is to end it short of a full-designated duration of play, officially record it as a completed contest, and make no provision to resume it at a later date.
2. Authority Authority to delay or relocate a contest is vested with the home institution’s Athletics Director or designated senior level administrator. Authority to suspend a contest is vested with the officials. Authority to cancel, postpone, or terminate a contest is vested only with the Commissioner or his/her designee.
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3. Guidelines A. Prior to the Contest.
1. If extenuating circumstances occur that necessitate a contest be moved to an earlier start time, an earlier start date, and/or relocated within the same city, the two participating institutions shall determine the date, time, and location of the contest, subject to the approval of the Commissioner. If the participating institutions are unable to agree on rescheduling, the Commissioner shall have the authority to direct the time, date, and location of the contest as necessary. A team’s refusal to play in a rescheduled contest as directed by the Commissioner shall be considered a forfeit.
2. If a contest is postponed prior to its start for any reason, the contest shall be rescheduled for the following day (e.g., a Saturday game shall be rescheduled for Sunday) unless circumstances prevent the contest from safely being played, in which case the two participating institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner or his/her designee, shall reschedule the contest for a later time or date. If the participating institutions are unable to agree on rescheduling, the Commissioner shall have the authority to direct the time, date, and location of the contest as necessary. A team’s refusal to play in a rescheduled contest as directed by the Commissioner shall be considered a forfeit.
3. Prior to 60 minutes before scheduled kick-off, the home institution’s Director of Athletics or designated senior level administrator shall have the authority to determine whether a contest
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should temporarily be delayed until a later time on the same date.
4. At 60 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off, the decision to suspend play shall become the responsibility of the game officials.
B. Once the Contest Has Begun. If a contest is suspended after play has begun:
1. The referee shall immediately stop the game and inform both coaches that the game is being suspended at the point of interruption.
2. The referee shall inform the home team, and the umpire shall inform the visiting team, that ALL team personnel are required to go immediately to their respective dressing rooms. This includes players, coaches, trainers, managers, cheerleaders, mascots, bands and any other persons who are the responsibility of these particular institutions.
3. Play may only be resumed when conditions are deemed safe by the officials in consultation with the home team game management personnel (e.g., tornado warning has been lifted or lightning has abated in accordance with SEC Lightning Policy).
4. A suspended game shall not be resumed if it is determined by the head referee in collaboration with the Commissioner or his/her designee that the game would not be able to reasonably be completed by 1:30 a.m. local time. The Commissioner shall have the sole authority to extend the 1:30 a.m. deadline.
5. If a contest is unable to be resumed, the contest shall be resumed the following day (e.g., a Saturday game shall be rescheduled for Sunday) unless circumstances prevent the contest from safely being played, in which case the two participating
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institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner or his/her designee, shall reschedule the contest for a later time or date. If the participating institutions are unable to agree on rescheduling, the Commissioner shall have the authority to either direct the contest to be played on a particular date and/or relocate the contest as necessary. A team’s refusal to play in a rescheduled contest as directed by the Commissioner shall be considered a forfeit.
In the event a contest is delayed or suspended and it does not appear play will be resumed on that date, the Athletics Directors (or designated representatives) of both participating institutions, game management personnel and the Conference office representative (if available) shall meet with the game officials in the officials’ dressing room, or another suitable location nearby. The Conference office representative shall communicate with the Commissioner, who has the sole authority to declare a game canceled, postponed or terminated. If the Conference office representative is not on site, the home institution’s Athletics Director or designated senior level administrator shall contact the appropriate Conference staff liaison. The home team game management, in consultation with the Conference office representative, is responsible for disseminating information regarding such a decision to the teams, media and general public.
LIGHTNING POLICY* Each member institution shall be responsible for having the capability of determining when lightning strikes are within specified distances of the competition site for all outdoor events.
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The head referee should be notified when lightning is detected within a minimum of 15 miles of the competition site.
When lightning is detected within a minimum of 10 miles of the competition site, home team management shall utilize the public address system to inform those in attendance that inclement weather including lightning is within 10 (or more) miles and that should patrons vacate the facility for safe shelter, they will be allowed to re-enter with a ticket stub.
When lightning is detected within eight (8) miles of the competition site, the competition shall be suspended. Competition may be resumed after 30 minutes of no detected lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius. A 10 minute warm-up period may be granted following this 30-minute suspension.
In cases of severe weather being detected prior to the start of competition: When lightning is detected within eight (8) miles of the competition site, all on-field activities (e.g., warm-ups, marching band, national anthem, introductions) shall be suspended. On-field activities may resume after 30 minutes of no detected lightning strikes within an eight (8) mile radius. A maximum of 10 minutes may be used, at the discretion of the home institution, for the marching band, national anthem and introductions, immediately following the 30-minute time period of no detected lightning strikes.
When lightning is detected within a minimum of 10 miles from the competition site after gates have opened to the public, home team management shall utilize the public address system to inform those in attendance that inclement weather including lightning is within 10 (or more)
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miles and that should patrons vacate the facility for safe shelter, they will be allowed to re-enter with a ticket stub.
MEDICAL OBSERVER* The Conference shall provide a qualified medical professional to serve as an independent medical observer for all Conference contests and all non-conference contests conducted at a home site (including neutral site facilities where the SEC institution plays an annual contest). Nonconference institutions competing at an SEC home site (including neutral site facilities where the SEC institution plays an annual contest) may agree to utilize the SEC medical observer by executing an SEC medical observer “opt-in” agreement prior to the game. Host institutions shall provide a secure and controlled location for the medical observer within the replay booth to perform his or her duties. In addition, host institutions shall provide a high-definition television with access to the game broadcast, headphones with access to game broadcast audio, a DVR, a telephone with the ability to communicate with the medical staff of both teams, the pager base station and two pagers on each sideline. See SEC Commissioner’s Regulations for further information.
MEDICAL TENTS Medical tents on the sideline shall only be erected when a student-athlete is inside the tent receiving medical treatment or undergoing a medical examination. At all other times, the tent should not be erected to prevent interference with sight lines of fans.
NATIONAL ANTHEM* The home institution shall notify the visiting team no later than five days prior to the game regarding its national anthem procedures.
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OFFICIALS* The following procedures shall be utilized regarding officials at Conference games:
1. Security escorts for officials should be provided as follows:
a. A person at each institution should be in contact with the umpire the week of the game to finalize game day travel. A van with police escorts should pick up the officials at the hotel no later than 2 hours prior to kickoff. Only approved personnel are permitted to accompany the officials to and from the stadium. Officers should escort officials to the dressing room, to and from the field, and back to the van after the game. Police escorts will escort the officials’ van back to the hotel immediately following the game.
b. A dressing room key should be either given to one of the officials, or a person designated by the game management director. The designated person must lock the dressing room while the officials are officiating and must be waiting at the dressing room door when the officials return at halftime and at the end of the game. The officials must have immediate access to their dressing room at halftime and at the conclusion of the game.
c. If the officials must walk through public concourses or areas to reach the team locker rooms before the game and/or at the halftime, they must be escorted by security personnel.
2. The officials’ dressing room should be secure, conveniently located and set up with the following items:
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a. Towels and soap; b. Chairs and a table; c. Blackboard and chalk (or dry-erase board with
markers); d. Eight game day programs; e. Soft drinks, isotonic beverages and water (in a
cooler of ice) and cups; f. Pregame and halftime snacks in locker room; g. Boxed lunches after the game (to be placed in van
used to transport officials back to hotel). h. Television
3. If an official requests the service of a trainer or needs any supplies, the trainer should come to the officials’ dressing room to provide the service or deliver the supplies. The official should not go to the training room.
4. Absolutely no one shall be allowed access to the officials’ dressing room without the permission of the Southeastern Conference except (1) the officials assigned to the game, (2) the event manager and (3) Southeastern Conference staff and observers.
5. The home institution is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and delivery to the referee of the wireless microphone unit as set forth in this manual.
REFEREE’S MICROPHONE - Each home institution is responsible for the operation, maintenance and delivery of the wireless microphone unit to the Referee at least 75 minutes before kickoff. The complete wireless system (receiver, transmitter, antennas, etc.) must be operative for all home games, and must connect to the stadium PA, press box PA, TV and radio. The microphone must be lavaliere-style (clipped on to shirt). Headset microphones are not permitted.
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Refer to the Commissioner’s Regulations for additional guidelines pertaining to Officials
ON-FIELD LIAISONS* Both the home institution and the visiting institution shall assign full-time staff members to serve as institutional liaisons on the field for issues related to game management. Both liaisons shall remain in the vicinity of the visiting bench and visiting locker room. The visiting institution liaison shall be prepared to address issues related to the visiting team, visiting band and/or visiting cheerleaders. The home team liaison shall remain with the visiting team for the duration of its stay on site.
PLAYER ACCESS TO STANDS / SPECTATOR AREAS In both non-conference and conference competition, it is an institutional decision whether to allow the home team participants access to the stands/spectator areas. However, at no time may the visiting team participants be allowed access to the stands/spectator areas. POSTGAME PROCEDURES* Under no circumstances may visiting teams return to the field once going to the locker room after a game (e.g., no “curtain calls”). The home institution shall use security personnel, as well as public address announcements and video/matrix announcements, to keep fans from coming onto the field at any time, including after the game.
PRACTICE (VISITING TEAM)* The visiting team should have the opportunity to practice at the competition site. The following procedures shall be followed unless extreme circumstances prevent the use of the home team’s competition facility: 1) Requests for practice time by the visiting team must be made at least five
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days prior to the game date; 2) The home team will make its facility available for a minimum of 90 minutes on the day before the game (the home coach will extend himself to accommodate the visiting team in case of emergency); 3) The visiting team’s practice time shall take precedence over the home team’s practice time, and 4) In the event of inclement weather on the day before the game, the home team’s athletic director will make the decision whether to permit the visiting team to practice on the competition field or at an alternate site.
PREGAME AND HALFTIME* The playing field must be available for pregame warmup no later than 120 minutes before kickoff. Kickers shall be allowed to kick at both ends of the field until 65 minutes prior to kickoff. Additionally, each team shall be permitted to walk through the playing field on game day prior to 120 minutes before kickoff if the playing field is the most direct route to its locker room from the designated team bus drop-off location. Beginning 120 minutes prior to kickoff, all warmup activities (pregame or during suspensions of game play) shall occur only in the locker room or on the field. Teams shall not be permitted to warmup in a different location. The game clock shall begin the pregame countdown at 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Pregame warm-up areas shall adhere to the diagram on Supplement A-1 of this section until 40 minutes prior to kickoff, at which time warmup areas shall adhere to the diagram on Supplement A-2. The home team shall provide the visiting team with completed diagrams no later than practice the day before the game. In stadiums where the team entrances are on opposite ends of the field, each team shall conduct pregame warmups on the end of the field closest to its entrance. When entering
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or leaving the field during warmups, a team may not
enter the designated warmup area of the opposing
team if it is on the field.
Teams may be requested to leave the field for pregame activities (e.g., bands, ceremonies, etc.) not to exceed 17 minutes (i.e., at the 20-minute mark on the pregame clock), except for Senior Day. For Senior Day ceremonies before a team’s last regular-season home game, the teams may be requested to leave the field for 22 minutes (25-minute mark on the pregame clock). All Senior Day activities must take place during this 22-minute period. The field must once again be available for at least three minutes before kickoff. At halftime the field must be available at least three minutes prior to the start of the second half. If both teams are on the field at the time scheduled for the start of the second half and the field is not cleared for play, the home team will be penalized 10 yards on the subsequent free kick. Bands, speeches, presentations, homecoming and similar activities are under the jurisdiction of home game management and a prompt start of each half is mandatory.
Under no circumstances shall a participating player or coach from either team enter the playing field while a band is performing at halftime. A player violating this provision is subject to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty or subsequent action by the conference office.
PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER* The public address announcer must be objective and not emotionally involved. The announcer must be impartial and give only necessary information in good taste and acceptable language. The announcer must be in control of what is said over the public address system and permit no one to use the microphone except those authorized by the
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game management director. The announcer must be aware of the stadium layout so that calm and accurate directions can be given in case of an emergency. The announcer is not to criticize officials or their decisions directly or indirectly. Game officials shall not be introduced.
Announcers should make pregame statements concerning institutional policies regarding sportsmanship and the throwing of debris onto the field. Just prior to the kickoff of a game, the public address announcer should read the following announcement:
“Ladies and gentlemen... in the spirit of sportsmanship, the Southeastern Conference and (name of university) ask that all fans act responsibly and courteously to those around you. Vulgar, abusive or demeaning language or disorderly conduct is unacceptable and unwelcome at (name of facility). Let’s afford the student-athletes, coaches, officials, and your fellow fans the respect they deserve.
The throwing of objects on the playing area is strictly prohibited and violators will be ejected from the facility.
And remember, stay off the playing area at the end of the game. The safety of our players, coaches and fans is of utmost importance. Violators are subject to arrest and the loss of future ticket privileges; plus the university would be subject to a major fine if such an incident occurs.
(Name of University) stands for class and dignity and your help is appreciated in carrying on this great tradition.”
In the event debris is thrown on the field or other incidents interfere with the conduct of the game, the announcer should make the following announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, you must refrain from throwing objects onto the field. It is dangerous and unfair to the participants and could result in a penalty. Stadium security
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personnel have been instructed to remove from the stadium any person who throws any object onto the field.”
RE-ENTRY POLICY Once admitted to the stadium, no ticket holder shall be permitted to leave and re-enter the facility on that ticket. In the event of inclement weather, home team game management shall have the authority to waive this policy.
SEC REPRESENTATIVE TV MONITOR There should be a television monitor placed at the SEC representatives’ position in the press box. The minimum size of the monitor is 12”. It should have audio (with headphones) as well as be HD. The monitor should be equipped with a cable package that includes the live television broadcast as well as access to all networks broadcasting games that day. SECURITY The host institution is to take appropriate security measures (including PA and video/matrix announcements, as well as security personnel) to prevent fans from entering the field before, during, and immediately following the game. Home institutions are responsible for providing protected access from the field to the locker rooms for both teams and the game officials at the end of each half and any subsequent overtime period(s). All protected personnel should leave the field immediately in order to take full advantage of the protected access. The home institution must strive to ensure that adequate security measures are implemented both inside and outside the stadium, before and after games, to avoid physical or verbal threats or hostilities between fans and team personnel (players, coaches, and other staff), band members and cheerleaders or between fans and game officials.
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The host institution must, with appropriate security forces:
1. Provide appropriate security for team, band and cheerleader buses during arrival, the game period, and departure, and for teams, bands and cheerleaders while going to and from buses and while riding them on stadium or university property. If both teams are scheduled to enter the stadium at the same point, home team game management shall coordinate with the visiting team to ensure both teams do not arrive at the stadium at the same time. In addition, the holding areas for visiting team, band and cheerleader buses plus the home team’s parking lot must be adequately secured. Similar security shall be provided for game officials and their vehicles.
2. Provide protected access for team personnel and game officials going to and from the playing field. Security forces assigned to the field and exposed passageways which team personnel and game officials use on game day must be in place from the time spectator gates are opened until the crowd leaves the stadium, and must be appropriately concentrated in those areas, including uniformed security presence in the adjacent stands, at times of traffic involving team personnel and game officials. During these times, fans should not be allowed to congregate in the stands near such passageways unless they hold tickets for that section.
3. Ensure that no fan enters the playing field at any time on game day unless such entry is properly credentialed or authorized (e.g., during pregame or halftime as part of an approved promotion in which the fan is escorted by game personnel). If any unauthorized fan does enter the playing field, security forces must remove that person immediately. At least once a game the
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home institution should advise fans, through the public address system, of the prohibition of entering the field and the potential for prosecution. Special attention shall be given to prevent fans from entering the field after the game.
4. Provide appropriate security around the bench areas. 5. Provide appropriate security in the vicinity of the
visiting band’s seating area as well as the visiting cheerleaders’ assigned area on the field.
6. Provide appropriate security at locker rooms of team personnel and game officials.
7. Take appropriate measures, including removal from the stadium, if any fan engages in physical or extreme verbal abuse of team personnel, game officials or other fans (e.g., racial taunts, profane signs or banners, and the throwing of objects).
8. Provide a police escort for the game officials from their hotel to the stadium and returning after the game. The police shall escort the officials from the field to a waiting vehicle after the game. A reserved parking place shall be held for the escort and the officials’ vehicle.
9. Provide security escorts for visiting coaches going to and from the press box during pregame, halftime and postgame.
10. Abide by the guidelines of the “Bag Policy” as specified in the SEC Commissioner’s Regulations.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action by the Commissioner.
Physical or verbal hostilities involving only team personnel and game officials that occur on the field during the course of the game are not the responsibility of stadium security unless their assistance is requested by a game official. Ordinarily, such on-field matters will be handled by the
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game officials and/or through postgame discipline by the Commissioner. SEC STAFF LIAISONS Officiating: John McDaid
Cell: (517) 213-8767 Email: [email protected] Grace Sanders Cell: (518) 269-1066 Email: [email protected]
Game Mgt: Mark Womack Cell: (205) 936-2863 Email: [email protected] Byron Hatch Cell: (832) 259-4385 Email: [email protected]
Television: Mark Womack Cell: (205) 936-2863 Email: [email protected]
SIDELINE COVER* A team may install an item or structure that provides cover over bench seating on its sideline in accordance with the following parameters:
1. All elements of the item or structure must be inside the team area on its sideline;
2. A cover/tarp shall only exist on the top and not on the sides or back of the item utilized to provide cover;
3. The item used to provide the cover shall be no higher than five feet, six inches (5’6”) from the ground at its highest point;
4. Corporate branding, marks or words are not permitted on any cover/tarp or on the structure,
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items, equipment or associated materials used to construct and/or provide the cover; and
5. Institutional, athletics, and/or SEC branding, marks or words are permitted on the cover/tarp and on the structure, items, equipment or associated materials used to construct and/or provide the cover.
SIDELINE POWER* The home team must supply the same amount of power to the visiting team’s sideline that exists on the home team’s sideline. The “Facility Requirements” section of the Football Commissioner’s Regulations specifies the power requirements for cooling/heating benches on each sideline. SPORTSMANSHIP* At no time may either team engage in any type of “animated huddle,” “dance,” or other similar activity on the playing field. Such activities are limited ONLY to the team bench area. Each institution shall aggressively address the issue of sportsmanship through video spots, PA announcements, radio spots, TV spots and print ads (e.g., in game day programs). STADIUM LIGHT SHOWS* Stadium light shows fall into the following two categories: 1) full stadium light coloring in which the game lights are dimmed and/or change colors or 2) game lighting remains while lights perform movement, including chase and flickering effects. The following outlines when these two options can be utilized during the game.
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Pregame, Halftime and Media Timeouts Full stadium lights may be dimmed, change colors and/or perform lighting movement effects during pregame, halftime, and media timeouts. During a light show, the playing surface must never go dark when student-athletes are on the field during pregame or halftime. When student-athletes are not on the field during pregame or halftime, it is permissible for the playing surface to go dark. Additionally, the playing surface must never go dark during a media timeout because student-athletes remain on the field. When a light show occurs during a media timeout, lights must return to game lighting fifteen seconds (0:15) prior to the end of the timeout. Point-After-Touchdown, Field Goal and Safety Following a point-after-touchdown (PAT), field goal or safety, stadium lights may only perform lighting movement effects. Lights shall not be dimmed or change colors following a PAT, field goal or safety. Additionally, the playing surface must never go dark following a PAT, field goal or safety. If a media timeout follows a PAT, field goal or safety, full stadium lights may be dimmed, change colors and/or perform lighting movement effects during the media timeout, but the playing surface must never go dark. Lights must return to game lighting fifteen seconds (0:15) prior to the end of the timeout.
STUDENT SECTION* The home student section must be located on the opposite side of the field from the visiting team bench; or if located on the same side as the visiting team bench, the student section must be located from the 30-yard line toward the goal line. Any student seats located toward midfield from the 30-yard line may be no closer than 25 rows from the
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field. It is recommended that the visiting team should not be required to enter/exit the field in close proximity to the home team student section. TELEVISION TIMEOUTS* Television timeouts may be called during televised contests at intervals designated in the contracts with the television entities.
TOBACCO-RELATED PRODUCTS* The use of tobacco-related products by players, coaches, support personnel (e.g., managers and trainers), game personnel (e.g., game officials, chain crew) and staff in all sports during practice, Conference competition and Conference championships and tournaments (including banquets, press conferences, postgame interviews, and at all stadiums, arena facilities and competition grounds) is prohibited. This prohibition is applicable to all activities at the athletic competition and practice, including press box areas and locker rooms.
UNIFORMS* In accordance with NCAA football rules, the home team shall wear dark jerseys and the visiting team shall wear white jerseys. White jerseys may be worn by the home team when the teams have agreed before the season. (The Athletic Directors have agreed to always grant a home team’s request to wear white jerseys, in which case the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys.) VIDEO BOARDS/REPLAYS* Institutions are not limited in the use of replays (including number of replays shown), except when a stoppage occurs for an official review. The time during which replays may be shown is from the end of a play until the beginning of the
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next play, except when a stoppage occurs for an official review. Replays of touchdowns (not stopped for official review) may be shown following the point after attempt up until the ensuing kickoff. Replays may also be shown at a later time during the game as part of a package of highlights during a quarter or halftime break.
In no circumstance will the in-stadium video system be used to embarrass, humiliate or disgrace an official or visiting team members or coaches, incite the crowd or distract a participant or coach. Each school must designate a fulltime staff member with a high-degree of accountability to be responsible for determining what video appears on the in-stadium video board.
Procedure for stoppage for an official review:
When a stoppage occurs for an official review, the in- stadium video board operator must use the unaltered television network program feed or the unaltered video feed from the replay booth as the exclusive video source for replays of the play under review. No live coverage of any coach, student athlete, or fan reaction may be shown from the program feed during the review. Replays from the program feed or replay booth are permitted only between Referee announcements to stop play and to communicate the outcome of the review. No replays from any other video source may be shown on the in-stadium video board during stoppage for an official review.
SUPPLEMENT A-1 PREGAME WARM-UP AREA (Prior to 40 minutes before kickoff)
SUPPLEMENT A-2
PREGAME WARM-UP AREA (Within 40 minutes of kickoff)
10
20
30
40
50
40
30
20
10
Goal
Goal
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SUPPLEMENT B
EXISTING GAME MANAGEMENT ACTIONS (UPDATED OCTOBER 26, 2020)
Below are the existing game management actions of the Southeastern Conference applicable for the 2020-21 academic year. These policies are applicable to the specified sport, unless specifically noted otherwise, and serve as a supplement to existing SEC Commissioner’s Regulations and Game Management policies.
FOOTBALL
110 Minute Meeting I. The 110 minute meeting will continue to be held 1 hour and 50
minutes prior to kickoff. However, the meeting will include the following six (6) individuals only and each shall wear a face covering and employ physical distancing during the meeting. • Home Team Game Management Director • Home Team Liaison • Visiting Team Liaison • Referee • Red Hat • TV Producer (Approved 8/28/20)
Artificial Crowd Noise I. Home institutions may play artificial crowd noise in order to
create an audio landscape (i.e., a baseline “murmur”) that masks some field-level audio typically not audible in a stadium with a full stadium of fans. This audio is permissible in addition to other artificial noise normally used by
institutions during games.
Option to use artificial crowd noise: • The home institution has the option to use artificial crowd
noise. If the home institution chooses not to use artificial crowd noise at any time during play, it may not be used the entire game. Artificial crowd noise may not be used in order to create an advantage for either team. For example, a school may not use artificial crowd noise only while its team is on defense.
• If the home institution chooses not to use artificial crowd noise for a game, it must notify the opposing team by Noon ET on Tuesday of game week as well as the television network producing the game.
• Institutions that choose not to use artificial crowd noise may continue to use other artificial noise normally used by institutions during games and must continue to follow SEC Football Game Management regulations applied to artificial sound.
The use of institutionally controlled computerized sound systems (including music), institutionally controlled artificial noise makers and any traditional institutional noise maker shall not play from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the officials whistle the play dead.
For schools that use artificial crowd noise, the following policies must be followed by the home institution: • Artificial crowd noise should be turned on by kickoff and
remain on whenever the play clock and/or game clock is running, including during plays. The game presentation representative should turn off the crowd noise during game breaks (including injury timeouts, quarter breaks,
halftime and commercial breaks). Bands or other music should be played or public address announcements made during those breaks.
• Artificial crowd noise should routinely be played through the stadium’s PA system at a recommended minimum of 70 dBs and a maximum of 75 dBs.
• In the event of a “big play” for the home institution (i.e., touchdown, long play, interception, fumble recovery), the artificial crowd noise may be elevated to a maximum of 90 dBs. The decibel level must be returned to 70-75 dBs by the next placement of the football by the official.
• Audio that has always been permitted to be played during approved times will continue to be permissible. During traditionally approved times to play audio in the stadium, music and/ or audio prompts may be played simultaneously with the artificial crowd noise, however the combined audio cannot exceed 90 dBs.
• The following SEC Football Game Management regulation will not apply to artificial crowd noise for the 2020 season, but will continue to apply to all other artificial sound: The use of institutionally controlled computerized sound systems (including music), institutionally controlled artificial noise makers and any traditional institutional noise maker shall not play from the time the offensive center puts a hand on the football until the officials whistle the play dead.
• At no time may the artificial crowd noise be elevated at a time or manner that will distract or inhibit the performance of the visiting team.
• Artificial crowd prompts may not be used in a derogatory manner toward opponents or officials at any time. (Approved 9/18/20; Revised 10/8/20)
Bands and Cheerleaders/Spirit Squads I. If stadium capacity is reduced, the following guidelines shall
apply: A. Visiting team bands and spirit squads shall be prohibited
from attending games at SEC stadiums; B. SEC institutions shall have the discretion on whether their
band and/or spirit squad attends a SEC vs SEC neutral site game; and
C. SEC institutions shall have the discretion on whether their band and/or spirit squad attends a non-conference game played at the non-conference team’s stadium or neutral site non-conference game. (Approved 6/26/20)
II. Bands, cheerleaders/spirit squads and mascots are restricted from performing and being on the field before games and at halftime. (Approved 8/27/20)
COVID-19 Protocol and Procedures I. Each institution, in consultation with its Team Physician and
government health authorities, must establish a specific COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan. The Plan must contain, among other things, specific procedures for isolating, transporting, testing, and treating any team-specific student-athletes, staff, essential personnel, and other personnel who display potential symptoms of COVID-19, including procedures for handling such occurrences while on the road. The Plan must also include the precautions that individuals who come into contact with a symptomatic individual during the screening and evaluation process must take, including using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for health care professionals. (Approved 8/28/20)
II. Teams must develop a plan to manage student-athletes and
other essential personnel who suffer non-COVID related injuries during athletic events. Additionally, the home team must include in its plan the management of non-team essential personnel (e.g., game officials) who suffer non-COVID related injuries during athletic events.
Home teams are encouraged to identify multiple training rooms and/or consider constructing or obtaining additional space for use as a training room to limit the number and density of individuals in the training room at any one time. Home teams should establish a procedure by which both visiting and home teams can safely enter the training rooms for treatment.
Team medical staff should take all precautions to minimize any unnecessary contact with training equipment (e.g., use a single-use disposable cover on any surfaces that student-athletes touch, immediately discarding or laundering towels used for treatment, etc.). (Approved 8/28/20)
III. No later than twenty-Four (24) hours prior to each SEC football
contest, the host medical staff shall conduct a Medical Time Out virtual meeting with the visiting medical staff to review pertinent emergency details, as well as aspects related to COVID-19 management including:
• The designated isolation room location for each team; • What to do in the result of a positive COVID-19 case or
presumptive positive; • Pertinent local health department information; and • Other details as appropriate. (Approved 8/28/20)
IV. Home team game management shall begin communicating
with the visiting team no later than two weeks prior to the game. Additionally, home team game management shall include up-to-date state/local COVID-19 guidelines in the Visiting Team Guide. (Approved 8/28/20)
V. The visiting team must communicate its towel needs to the
home team’s equipment staff no later than four (4) days prior to game day. (Approved 8/28/20)
VI. Teams must educate its student-athletes on behavioral best
practices (e.g., hand washing, licking hands, use/storage of mouthpiece, spitting, avoiding touching face, towel usage). (Approved 8/28/20)
VII. Essential personnel with field and/or sideline access who
have not been tested shall remain at least six (6) feet outside the team area on game days. However, such individuals may enter the team area if necessary to resolve a matter requiring his/her attention. The individual must continue to wear a face mask/neck gaiter while inside the team area and shall maintain physical distancing from others. The individual must leave the team area as soon as the matter is resolved.
Additionally, a pass-through area shall exist on each sideline to allow personnel with sideline access to walk from one end of the sideline to the other end of the same sideline without entering the team bench area or area designated by the six foot (6’) limit line on the sides and back of the team bench area. The pass-through area shall be behind the six-foot (6’) limit line on each sideline. If there is not enough space on a sideline to accommodate the six-foot (6’) limit line and/or the pass-through area, these areas would need to extend into the
stands, which would require ample rows to remain empty and not be utilized for guest seating. (Approved 8/28/20)
VIII. For essential personnel with field and/or sideline access
outside of the team area, there shall be COVID-19 screening procedures to include temperature and symptom checking prior to entry. Any individual who does not pass screening procedures shall be denied access and be isolated according to national, state and local guidelines. (Approved 8/28/20)
IX. Chain crew members shall not ride in the same vehicle to/from
the stadium with the game officials, enter the game officials locker room, nor share a locker room with the game officials. A locker room may be provided for the chain crew if it allows physical distancing from the locker rooms for the teams and game officials and allows physical distancing when the teams and game officials are entering and exiting the field. (Approved 8/28/20)
X. All food provided to the game officials shall be prepackaged,
grab-and-go items. (Approved 8/28/20)
Disinfection I. Home institutions are required to equally disinfect home and
visiting team spaces and provided equipment prior to each game utilizing disinfectants that are on EPA List N. These spaces shall include the locker rooms, coaches rooms, training rooms, sidelines, coaches booths and any additional areas provided to either team. The visiting team shall be allowed to further disinfect its spaces and provided equipment utilizing disinfectants on EPA List N after receiving approval from the home team’s facility staff on the disinfectants it desires to use. Upon completion of disinfection, the spaces and equipment must be locked down until the teams are granted initial access on Thursday or Friday prior to game
day. Once both teams have accessed their spaces, only team staff are allowed inside the spaces and no outside individuals, including television personnel, are allowed access. If there are any general game day traffic hallways/access points that are shared between the teams or with outside individuals, home game management must inform the visiting team and specify the plan for managing the shared space. Home game management must include their disinfection protocol of the visiting team spaces in its Visiting Team Guide. (Approved 8/28/20)
II. Home institutions are required to disinfect the game officials
locker room prior to each game utilizing disinfectants that are on EPA List N. Upon completion of disinfection, the locker room must be locked down until the game officials are granted access on game day. Once the game officials have accessed their locker room, only the game officials are allowed and no outside individuals are allowed access unless necessary for a working purpose (e.g., athletic training services). All individuals inside the game officials locker room shall wear a face covering. (Approved 8/28/20)
III. Home institutions are required to disinfect the instant replay
booth prior to each game utilizing disinfectants that are on EPA List N. Upon completion of disinfection, the booth must be locked down until the instant replay personnel are granted access on game day. Once the instant replay personnel have accessed the booth, only the instant replay personnel, technician and medical observer are allowed and no outside individuals are allowed access unless necessary for a working purpose (e.g., repair an issue). All individuals inside the booth shall wear a face covering. (Approved 8/28/20)
IV. Teams shall implement a protocol to disinfect shared
headsets utilizing disinfectants that are on EPA List N in each
instance prior to use between different personnel. (Approved 8/28/20)
V. Home institutions shall ensure the home and visiting team
spaces are equally stocked with disinfectant/sanitizing products (e.g., wipes, dispensers, hand sanitizer). Additionally, home institutions shall ensure the game officials locker room and instant replay booth are stocked with disinfectant/sanitizing products. (Approved 8/28/20)
VI. Game balls that leave the field and enter guest seating areas
must be disinfected by team personnel as permitted by NCAA Playing Rules and pursuant to the manufacturer’s specifications prior to being utilized again during competition. (Approved 8/28/20)
VII. Artificial turf game fields must be disinfected according to the
manufacturer’s specifications. (Approved 8/28/20)
Face Coverings I. The following are the requirements pertaining to face
coverings: A. All coaches, staff and non-competing student-athletes are
required to wear a face mask/neck gaiter on the sideline. Physical distancing should be employed to the extent possible. At this time, face shields are not a suitable replacement for a face mask/neck gaiter for non-competing student-athletes, coaches and other staff on the sidelines;
B. All officials shall wear a face mask/neck gaiter that will be used when physical distancing cannot be achieved (this excludes active play);
C. All individuals working the sideline within the team box and directly adjacent to the team box (e.g., chain crew, ball crew, etc.) will be required to wear a face mask/neck gaiter
on the sidelines at all times; and D. All other individuals provided with field and sideline access
who are not allowed in the team box, whether or not tested for COVID-19, must remain at least six feet (6’) away from the team box and must wear a face mask/neck gaiter at all times. (Approved 8/28/20; Revised 9/9/20)
II. Game officials shall wear a face mask/neck gaiter when being
transported to/from the stadium on game day and while in the game officials locker room on game day. Those transporting the officials to/from the stadium must wear a face mask/neck gaiter during transport. (Approved 8/28/20)
Field and Sideline Access I. Essential personnel shall be the only individuals who have
game day access to the field and sideline. The following shall be deemed essential personnel:
Student-Athletes*
Coaches and Support Personnel Who Are Assigned the 60 bench passes*
Game Officials*
Ball Crew* Play Clock Operator & Cable Puller*
Game Clock Operator & Cable Puller*
Chain Crew (Maximum of Seven (7) Crew Members)*
Team Physicians* (Maximum of 10 in Team Area)
Medical Emergency Personnel (EMTs/Paramedics)*
Home Team’s Field Level Game Manager*
Home Team’s Visiting Team Liaison*
Game Officials Liaison*
Maximum of 15 Individuals for Home Team for the Following Roles: o Pool Photographer
(providing home team images to media)
o Pool Videographer (providing highlights for both teams to media)
o Videoboard Productions
o Photographer/Social Media
o Video Productions o Communications/
Marketing
Maximum of Five (5) Individuals for Visiting Team for the Following Roles: o Pool Photographer (providing road team images to media) o Photographer/ Social Media o Video Productions o Communications/
Marketing
Team Police/Security* (Maximum of 2 in Team Area)
On-Field Instant Replay Assistant
Field Goal Net Operators
Red Hat & Cable Puller
Home Team’s Event Security Staff
Team Radio Sideline Reporters
SEC Contracted TV/Radio Personnel
Home or Visiting Team’s Personnel while serving in a working capacity (e.g., repair/maintenance personnel, grounds/turf crew)
President/Chancellor Athletic Director
Up to three (3) additional school administrators at institution’s discretion
Up to two (2) non-institutional media photographers/ videographers
*Designates the essential personnel who are required to be tested pursuant to the Conference testing protocol. Also, all individuals in the visiting team’s travel party and other individuals who will have frequent interaction with the home or visiting team are required to be tested pursuant to the Conference testing
protocol. A tier system will be implemented as follows that designates the areas of access for personnel who have field/sideline access or access to team areas:
• Tier 1 – Person has team bench area access and tested negative for COVID-19;
• Tier 2 – Person does NOT have team bench area access but will access other team or operational areas (e.g., locker room, replay booth) and tested negative for COVID-19; or
• Tier 3 – Person has field/sideline access but does NOT have access to the team bench or other team areas (may be a possibility person is required to be tested based on role even if in Tier 3 or not assigned to a Tier (e.g., traveling with visiting team).
The following shall not be considered essential personnel:
• Prospective Student-Athletes and their Families • Donors, Alumni, Former Student-Athletes, Coaches/Staff
Families • Sponsors and 3rd Party Marketing Rights Staff and
Groups • Individuals accompanying the Visiting Team who
previously received pre-game sideline access credentials (e.g., Donors, Alumni, Former Student-Athletes, etc.)
• Media • Photographers Not Designated as Essential • Band, Cheerleaders/Spirt Squads and Mascots (Live or
Costumed) • NFL Scouts • External/Development Staff • Ticket Staff • Bus Drivers
• Home or Visiting Team’s Personnel not specified as Essential and do not serve a working purpose (Approved 8/28/20; Revised 9/11/20)
II. The following types of on-field performances, presentations
and recognitions shall be prohibited: • Sponsor and Donor Recognitions • Athletic Department Student-Athlete and Team
Recognitions (Approved 7/17/20)
Media and TV Operations I. Press box seating capacity shall be no more than 50% of
current seating availability in the press box, and all individuals in the press box shall wear a face covering. If required by national, state and/or local guidelines, the press box seating capacity shall be less than 50% of the current seating available in accordance with the national, state and/or local guidelines. (Approved 8/28/20)
II. All materials, other than flipcards, shall be distributed digitally,
including pre-game notes, game program information, statistics and quotes. Schools shall continue to print flipcards. (Approved 8/28/20)
III. The SEC shall provide an FTP site for video and photo pool
images to be uploaded and utilized by media outlets. (Approved 8/28/20)
IV. A “safe spot” will be designated on the sidelines for halftime
and post-game TV and radio interviews. This location shall not be within six feet (6’) of either team area on the sidelines. (Approved 8/28/20)
V. Home and visiting team post-game press conferences shall be conducted virtually. (Approved 8/28/20)
VI. All food provided to the media, if offered, shall be
prepackaged, grab-and-go items. (Approved 8/28/20)
NFL Scout, Bowl Game & SEC Staff Representatives I. NFL scouts will be permitted to attend SEC games per the
following guidelines: A. Each NFL team shall be permitted to have one scout
attend one home game for each SEC team (Georgia is the designated home team for the 2020 Florida vs Georgia game);
B. The NFL shall conduct a lottery to assign the SEC games that a scout may attend;
C. SEC schools shall assign a seating location in the stands for NFL scouts; a minimum of seven (7) tickets shall be allocated for NFL scout seating for each SEC home game;
D. NFL scouts shall purchase a ticket and sit in the location specified on the ticket;
E. NFL scouts shall not be permitted to access the field, sideline, locker rooms, press box or other team areas at any time; and
F. Per the NFL’s guidelines, NFL scouts shall be permitted to attend other team activities (e.g., practices, scrimmages, pro days, etc.) conducted in the stadium where the home team plays games pursuant to the guidelines specified by the NFL and by the institution hosting the practice. (Approved 8/28/20; Revised 10/26/20)
II. The following shall be the SEC staff representative
assignment process:
A. Home teams are informed of assigned SEC staff representative no later than two (2) weeks prior to the game;
B. On game day, the staff representative shall be available at a designated time prior to kick of their assigned game to have direct communication with the Home Team’s Game Manager, SEC Coordinator of Officials, assigned SEC communications staff member and other Senior Leadership Team members who may be at office, if needed;
C. Assigned staff member watches entire game; and D. Home team’s event management director shall contact
assigned SEC staff representative no later than 24 hours following the game to discuss any game management matters that arose for SEC staff consideration. (Approved 8/28/20)
III. Bowl game representative attendance at games shall be
prohibited. (Approved 8/28/20)
Photographers/Videographers I. Home and visiting schools will designate pool photographers/
videographers who will provide photos to a Conference FTP site.
Home schools can credential up to six (6) non-institutional media photographers/videographers at their discretion with priority consideration given to (a) one wire outlet (AP, USA Today, Getty); (b) key local outlets of home team; and (c) additional wire outlets, consistent with FWAA committee recommendations.
A. Up to two (2) non-institutional media photographers/
videographers may be permitted on the field/sideline.
• These photographers/videographers must participate in required COVID screening consistent with institutional personnel permitted on the field.
• One photographer/videographer will be assigned to each end of the field.
• Photographers/videographers may move from sideline-to-sideline during the game by moving behind the end zone.
• At no time may a non-institutional media photographer/ videographer come within 6 feet of the bench area or move behind the bench area.
B. Up to four (4) non-institutional media photographers/
videographers may be permitted to shoot from the stands. • The home institution will designate four locations in the
stands for media photographers/videographers. • The preferred location is low in the stands in four different
locations. This policy will be revisited during the season based on effectiveness and changes due to developments around COVID-19. (Approved 9/11/20)
Pre-Game and Post-Game Interactions I. Pre-game and post-game interaction that does not permit
physical distancing (e.g., handshakes, hugs, etc.) between opposing student-athletes, coaches and staff shall be prohibited. (Approved 8/28/20)
Senior Day Ceremonies I. Senior Day Ceremonies are permitted on the playing surface
during pregame or postgame for the home institution. The ceremonies shall only include individuals who have game day
access to the playing surface or sidelines as outlined in the SEC COVID-19 Event Management Requirements for each respective sport and are essential for the ceremony (including student-athletes, coaches and team support personnel).
Pregame Senior Day ceremonies shall abide by SEC and NCAA regulations on timing for each sport. Physical distancing must be maintained, and face coverings shall be worn by all participants during the transition period before and after the ceremony. Student-athletes and coaches (team support personnel as well if participating in the ceremony) may remove face coverings and not employ physical distancing with each other when a student-athlete is being recognized on the playing surface during the ceremony. This interpretation is subject to change as we monitor COVID-19 developments throughout the season. (Approved 10/1/20)
Ticketing I. If stadium capacity is reduced, the following guidelines shall
apply: A. The host institution shall provide the visiting institution a
minimum of 500 tickets located in the lower level of the stadium. The visiting institution may be provided more or less than these 500 tickets upon mutual agreement of both institutions;
B. For the tickets provided by the home institution to the visiting institution, up to 500 tickets will be provided to the visiting institution at no charge for on-campus games; and
C. Complimentary tickets shall not be provided to the game officials crew.
II. If fan attendance is prohibited (no fans allowed), the following guidelines shall apply: A. If the home institution does not admit their player and
coach guests, the visiting institution will not receive their 500 ticket allotment. If the home institution admits their player and coach guests, they shall provide the 500 ticket allotment to the visiting institution; and
B. NFL scouts shall still be permitted to attend pursuant to the guidelines for NFL Scout attendance. If player and coach guests are not admitted, the seating location for the scouts will be at the discretion of the home institution but must be outside of the main seating bowl (e.g., in empty suites). (Approved 7/13/20; Revised 8/21/20; Revised 9/11/20)
NOTES
